Letting out a property can be rewarding, but it also comes with serious legal responsibilities. Every landlord in the UK must meet certain standards to protect tenants’ safety, comfort and rights. Failing to do so can lead to disputes, fines or even prosecution.
This guide explains the key responsibilities landlords need to know, along with practical examples and answers to some of the most common questions.
Related: Understanding Your Responsibilities as a Landlord
Understanding your role as a landlord
Being a landlord isn’t just about collecting rent at the end of the month. By law, you must provide tenants with a safe, secure and well-maintained home. That means keeping on top of repairs, meeting health and safety standards, protecting deposits and treating tenants fairly.
If you work with a letting agent, they can take on many day-to-day tasks such as arranging safety checks and responding to maintenance issues. But it’s important to remember the ultimate responsibility always rests with you. If something goes wrong, it’s the landlord who could face action.
The main landlord’s responsibilities
Provide a safe home
Every rental property must be fit to live in. That means the building should be structurally sound, free from serious hazards and safe to occupy. The law now includes a Fitness For Human Habitation requirement under the Homes (Fitness For Human Habitation) Act 2018, which covers issues such as damp, ventilation, heating, hot water and freedom from health risks.
If a tenant feels a property is unsafe, they can take the landlord to court. Judges can order repairs, compensation or both. It’s far better to prevent problems before they reach that stage.
Carry out repairs
Landlords are legally responsible for keeping the structure and exterior of the property in good repair. This includes:
- Walls, roof, windows and doors
- Chimneys, gutters and drains
- Heating and hot water systems
- Gas appliances, pipes, flues and ventilation
- Electrical wiring, sockets and fittings
- Bathrooms, toilets, sinks and water pipes
Tenants are responsible for looking after the property on a day-to-day basis, for example, replacing lightbulbs or keeping the home clean. But any major repairs or faults fall to the landlord.
Related: A key change for self-managing landlords takes effect this December under the Renters’ Rights Act
Meet health and safety standards
Health and safety are a key part of being a landlord. The law requires several checks and precautions:
- Gas safety: A Gas Safe registered engineer must check all gas appliances every 12 months. A valid Gas Safety Certificate must be given to tenants.
- Electrical safety: A qualified electrician must carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at least once every five years.
- Fire safety: Smoke alarms must be fitted on every floor, and carbon monoxide detectors must be placed near solid fuel appliances. Furniture and furnishings must also meet fire resistance standards.
These checks save lives, and skipping them can result in serious penalties.
Protect the tenant’s deposit
Any deposit taken from a tenant must be protected in one of three government-approved tenancy deposit schemes. You must:
- Protect the deposit within 30 days
- Provide tenants with written confirmation of where it’s protected
- Return it fairly at the end of the tenancy, minus agreed deductions for damage or unpaid rent
Failing to protect a deposit properly can prevent you from serving a valid eviction notice and may result in tenants claiming up to three times the deposit amount in compensation.
Provide essential documents
At the start of a tenancy, landlords must provide:
- An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) showing a rating of at least E
- A copy of the latest gas safety record
- A government-issued ‘How to Rent’ guide
These documents help tenants understand their rights and the condition of the property.
Respect tenant rights
Tenants have a legal right to quiet enjoyment of the property. This is an implied covenant under common law and is supported by legislation such as the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 And The Protection from Eviction Act 1977. In practice, this means landlords must:
- Give at least 24 hours’ written notice before visits
- Only enter at reasonable times
- Avoid harassment or unnecessary interference
Respecting these rights builds a good relationship and prevents legal disputes.
Common landlord questions
Are landlords responsible for mould?
Yes, if mould is caused by the building’s condition, for example, leaks, poor insulation or faulty ventilation. In those cases, landlords must fix the issue and treat the mould.
If mould is linked to a tenant’s lifestyle (for instance, drying clothes indoors without ventilation), landlords should still provide adequate ventilation systems, but tenants may need to change their habits. Communication is key to solving mould disputes.
Are landlords responsible for mice?
Yes, landlords must make sure the property is free from infestations at the start of the tenancy. If mice enter because of gaps in walls, broken airbricks or poor property maintenance, it’s the landlord’s job to fix the cause and deal with the infestation.
If tenants create conditions that attract pests, such as leaving rubbish out, they may be asked to take responsibility.
Are landlords responsible for bed bugs?
If bed bugs are present when tenants move in, the landlord must deal with them. If they appear later, the cause can be harder to prove. Landlords usually take action to prevent disputes, but tenants might share costs if they introduced the problem. Professional treatment is often required in either case.
Are landlords responsible for pest control?
Yes, in most cases, the landlords are responsible for pest control. Landlords must ensure the property is safe and habitable, which includes dealing with rats, wasps, cockroaches or other infestations linked to the building’s condition. Again, if the problem arises due to tenant behaviour, responsibility may fall on them instead.
Full list of landlord responsibilities
- Keep the property structurally sound and free from hazards
- Repair heating, hot water, plumbing and electrics
- Ensure annual gas safety checks and certificates
- Arrange electrical checks every five years
- Provide smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Ensure furniture meets fire safety standards
- Protect tenant deposits in an approved scheme
- Provide EPCs, gas safety records and the ‘How to Rent’ guide
- Respect tenant privacy and rights
- Handle mould, damp and pest issues linked to the property
- Comply with eviction laws and tenancy end rules
Why staying compliant matters
Meeting your legal responsibilities isn’t just about avoiding fines. It creates a safer, more comfortable home for tenants, which leads to longer tenancies and fewer disputes.
It also protects your investment. Well-maintained homes hold their value better, attract reliable tenants and avoid costly emergency repairs. For landlords with more than one property, staying compliant across a portfolio saves a huge amount of stress in the long run.
If the responsibilities feel overwhelming, a professional letting agent can help. Agents can arrange inspections, handle repairs, manage deposits and keep on top of ever-changing regulations. This means landlords can enjoy rental income without worrying about missing something important.
Final thoughts
Being a landlord comes with clear legal duties. Most are straightforward once you know what’s expected, but they do require organisation and attention to detail. By keeping your property safe, carrying out essential checks and treating tenants fairly, you’ll not only stay on the right side of the law but also build trust and loyalty.
If you’re thinking about letting a property, or want expert support to manage your legal responsibilities, book a free valuation with Lovelle today.
